Russian spy ship looming off the US coast at Hawaii

A Russian spy ship has been patrolling off the coast of Hawaii however to this point has remained in worldwide waters, the Pentagon stated on Thursday.

While the looks of a Russian surveillance ship alongside the US shoreline will not be uncommon, this one has attracted extra consideration due to heightened tensions between the US and Russia over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and veiled threats to make use of nuclear weapons.

The Vishnya-class Kareliya surveillance ship has been monitored by the US Coast Guard crusing close to Hawaii during the last a number of weeks.

This image made from a video provided by the US Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific and dated January 2023 shows a Russian ship patrolling off the coast of Hawaii. — This picture constructed from a video supplied by the US Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific and dated January 2023 reveals a Russian ship patrolling off the coast of Hawaii. (AP)

“I can’t speak to why the Russians are sailing the ship right now, it’s kind of precarious timing,” stated Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh.

She stated the Coast Guard remains to be monitoring the ship, which has been working in worldwide waters.

“We haven’t seen any unsafe or unprofessional behaviour and we expect that the Russians will operate within the region in accordance with international law,” Singh stated.

In a video posted to Twitter by the Coast Guard, the ship seems to be both being towed by one other ship or in a resupply mode.

While the appearance of a Russian surveillance ship along the US coastline is not unusual, this one has attracted more attention because of heightened tensions between the U. and Russia. — While the looks of a Russian surveillance ship alongside the US shoreline will not be uncommon, this one has attracted extra consideration due to heightened tensions between the US and Russia. (AP)

“US Indo-Pacific Command is monitoring the Russian vessels operating in international waters in the Western Pacific,” the Pentagon stated in a press release.

“As Russia operates within the region, it is expected to do so in accordance with international law.”